Miami road seen from above.

7 Things to Know Before Moving to Miami

Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by Jassica Mendez

Moving to Miami is an exciting time in your life! Everything goes by fast, and you have many obligations before the move. But that’s what makes it thrilling! Of course, you cannot just go into the moving process blindly. It is crucial to get to know the place you are moving to, at least on the elementary level.  That is why we created a list of 7 things to know before moving to Miami. From the moving process to life in Miami, we will cover everything. You will get to know Miami, as well as get to relax and enjoy the moving process! 

Aerial view of Miami.

Everyday things to know before moving to Miami

There are a few different things to consider when moving to Miami, such as the local community, weather, prices, and everyday life. We will first look at some everyday traits of living in Miami. This way, you won’t feel like a complete outsider right after your move to Miami.

1. How much living in Miami is going to cost you

Firstly, one of the most important things is how much living in Miami will cost. The cost of living is around 15% higher than the national average. That might sound like a lot, but when compared to other bigger cities, it is not that drastic. Unfortunately, the median household income is around $45.000, which is lower than the median household income in the U.S. However, percentage-wise, the median household income is on a constant rise. 

The median property taxes are around $50.000 a year, and only 30% of people are homeowners. The average price people pay for rent is around $2.400 a month, but you can find studio apartments for $700 a month. The price of groceries is pretty standard when compared to the rest of the U.S. This means that if you are moving to Miami, it might be wise to already have your career planned and set in action (to have a job). This way, you can put things in perspective and ensure you have enough resources to live a decent life.

2. What are some essential facts you need to know

Knowing how much living somewhere is going to cost you is crucial. But getting to know the realities of everyday life is also crucial. For starters, people in Miami are diverse. There are two reasons why this is the case. Firstly, Miami is a popular tourist place, which means lots of people from around the world visit it. Secondly, the people living in Miami are unique and like to express themselves, primarily through art and fashion (which we will discuss later).

The crime rate in Miami is on the higher side. However, most of the crimes are related to theft. That means you should be careful with your things.  Around 80% of the population in Miami has healthcare, and the health system in Miami is pretty great! Don’t forget to check out the nearest hospitals to your new place!

3. Where to go and get your education

If you are moving to Miami to study or have kids, it is essential to know what benefits Miami offers when it comes to education. Miami has great offers regarding public schools, especially in Dade County. Miami-Dade County Public Schools are above average compared to other national schools. They give excellent preparation for higher levels of education.

Regarding universities, it is essential to note that Liberal Arts and Sciences are the most popular choices. That shouldn’t be surprising since the art scene in Miami is unique and popular. The top three colleges in Miami are:

  • Miami Dade College
  • South Florida Institute of Technology
  • Lindsey Hopkins Technical College

Moving to Miami for educational purposes is an excellent choice!

A graduating class.

4. What kind of weather to expect

Miami has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it gets pretty hot and humid. If you are a fan of summer, you will love living in Miami. Even when it gets cold, it is not nearly as cold as in other parts of the U.S., and when summers get unbearably hot, there is a good chance it will rain. The only downsides to this weather are natural disasters, such as floods and tornados.

Things to know about the move before moving to Miami

We focused on some things you need to know about Miami, but we would also like to note some things to note regarding moving.

5. Hiring movers and packing

The first step after moving to Miami is hiring reliable movers for the job. After doing that, almost all of the burden is taken off your shoulders. What is left for you is to pack your things.

When packing, it’s essential to have a plan. Knowing exactly where everything goes is crucial, especially if you are moving from someplace far, like California to Miami. But you must have quality supplies at your disposal before packing. These supplies usually include:

  • Cardboard boxes
  • Protective packaging materials such as foam peanuts, tissues, or newspapers
  • Bubble wrap.
  • Tape. 
  • Scissors or utility knives.
  • Labels.

Organizing your things into boxes will be a breeze with adequate packing supplies. You can start with smaller things or bigger things. Divide them by rooms or by importance when unpacking. Remember to have one necessity box with things you will immediately need to use after relocating to Miami. That is one of the most important things to know before moving anywhere, even to Miami.

packing boxes

Other things to know about Miami before moving there

6. Art and fashion scene

Miami’s art and fashion scene are pretty prominent, as we have hinted throughout this. You can find gifted artists, galleries, and exhibits throughout the city. You can admire the contemporary art scene, especially in the downtown Design District. Many iconic American art styles originate from Miami, so it’s no wonder. Miami celebrates artists from all over the world, and that can be seen with the accent they put on art schools. We suggest you explore Miami’s art and fashion scene as soon as you arrive.

7. Going-out places

The final thing we need to note about moving to Miami is the plethora of opportunities to go out and have fun. You can go for a walk, visit Miami beaches, or go out drinking with friends. Moreover, visiting museums and historically and culturally significant places is always an option. But it would be a shame not to mention that the clubs in Miami are some of the best worldwide, and Miami is famous for its nightlife. Either way, there are a lot of fun activities to do in Miami for leisure time.

These were the 7 most important things to know before moving to Miami. Hopefully, they will help you settle in faster or keep you calm and collected during the move!

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